Your HR Tech is the Key to Engaging with The "Glassdoor Generation”

Remember when Generation X was cutting edge, a new force? Now it’s old news. Time moves on, and now the fresh-gen in the workplace is Generation Y or, as they are more uniquely-named, Millennials. But in HR terms, let’s call them the Glassdoor Generation.

Why? Because they are the social media generation. In their world (our world too but we didn’t come of age in it) everyone has an opinion, everyone is a reviewer, everybody gets a say. It’s the ultimate in free speech and the only problem is that it can be difficult to separate the well-meaning constructive feedback from the trolls.

So, not only is every brand on the planet potentially held hostage by the viral tweet of a disgruntled customer, but employers are increasingly finding that their employees (and ex-employees) are not only heard, but listened to.

Therefore, the question is:

how can your HR technology help you engage with your Millennial employees?

Use your HRMS to Find Opportunities

Gen Y has a reputation for being ‘restless’. Even more than their X-er forebears, they aren’t bowled over by the thought of a job for life, so if you want retain them, you’ll have to offer something more interesting than mere job security. Make sure your HRMS succession and talent management software is geared up to offer a wide variety of opportunities and challenges and don’t feel bound by traditional job roles and hierarchy – the chance to do something (and learn something) brand new can be like catnip to the latest additions to your workforce. Plus, mix it up – the old phrase, ‘variety is the spice of life’ really has come of age.

Create and Monitor Reward Packages Catered Towards Millennials

The needs and wants of Millennials are a significant factor in the push over the last few years for creative reward and recognition strategies. Money is not the be-all and end-all and the wider the range of flexible perks and benefits in your HRMS compensation management module, the more attractive as an employer you’ll be.

Recommended Reading: HRMS Vendor Guide - Find HRMS Vendors Conscious of the Glassdoor Generation

Use your HRMS to Create Gamified Feedback Mechanisms

Everyone likes (or at least needs) to know how they’re doing, but the tired old annual appraisal has been struggling for some time and definitely doesn’t fly with Generation Y. That said, they do want to know the score, they just respond better to it if it really is a score. Points, achievements, levels… gamify learning, projects, and performance management in your HRMS to really engage the glassdoor generation.

Encourage Social Collaboration and Gamification via Your HRMS

This one may seem obvious but it’s possibly the most important. Millennials grew up (and are growing up still) with the internet as their playground. Generally speaking (and anything in an article that purports to describe an entire generation is, by definition, a generalization) the more the workplace resembles the online realm, the more you’ll be tapping into the way Gen Y likes to communicate, network and collaborate. So, forums, chats, blogs, instant messaging – give them the tools via your HRMS, make it fun, and they’ll break down the silos that have been the curse of the generations before them.